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You probably already know that smoking is bad for your dental, respiratory, and cardiovascular health, but your eye doctor wants you to know that cigarettes and related tobacco products can also harm your vision. At West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK, their trusted optometrists are happy to explain the potential negative consequences of the habit.

Smoking can affect your eyes in the following ways:

  • Eye DoctorCataracts: While they often develop later in a patient’s life, cataracts are marked by a clouding of the eye lens and can result in substantial vision loss. According to studies, smoking can double your risk of developing cataracts.
  • Macular Degeneration: This is another condition that’s particularly common in older patients. It involves a breakdown of the retina’s center, creating blind spots which significantly impair vision and impact quality of life. Eye doctors say patients who smoke habitually are three times more likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration. On the other hand, patients who quit smoking dramatically decrease their risk of developing this condition.
  • Dry Eyes: Some eyes don’t create enough tears to stay lubricated. Smoke from tobacco products exacerbates this condition, causing significant discomfort and irritation. Although an optometrist can prescribe drops to alleviate the pain, for the best results, you should quit smoking altogether.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Smoking can double your risk of developing diabetes, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of diabetic retinopathy. This condition involves blood vessel damage and potentially substantial vision loss. Some experts believe that smoking can also hasten the progression of diabetic retinopathy, making it more difficult to treat.

To learn more about how smoking affects your vision, schedule an eye exam at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK. Their eye doctors will provide you with all the essential information to kick your habit. Contact them online to learn about becoming a patient, or call (907) 479-4700.

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